This is the only Met Walküre broadcast before World War II with the legendary Kirsten Flagstad as Brünnhilde—an overwhelming portrayal that continues to grip listeners today. Fortunately, this uncut Walküre has a cast for the ages, all in prime form. Lauritz Melchior and Marjorie Lawrence are Siegmund and Sieglinde, twins who fall passionately in love. Emanuel List is the stentorian Hunding, Sieglinde’s wronged husband. Karin Branzell is a regal Fricka, wife of head god Wotan (a marvelous Julius Huehn) who insists the young lovers be punished. A very young Erich Leinsdorf leads a pulsating, sizzling performance. The performance is taken from the "Wagner at the Met "CD box set.

Returning for the holidays, this season's family entertainingment is richard Jone' witty production of Humperdinck's fairy-tale opera, conducted by Sir Andrew Davis, in whcih two children facre against a wicked witch.